Lewis is scheduled to transfer to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet in Bahrain.

"This ship and air wing are far and away the most visible sign of America's might and resolve throughout the world and will be so far into the future," said Lewis.

During the ceremony, guest speaker Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10 (CSG-10), presented Lewis with the Legion of Merit, gold star in lieu of a third award, for exceptional meritorious conduct while serving as commander, CVW-3 from August 2008 to February 2010.

Under Lewis' leadership, squadrons in CVW-3 were awarded three Battle "Efficiency" Awards, two Safety "S" Awards, the Arleigh Burke Award for leadership and the Estocin Award for meritorious achievement.

According to Driscoll, Lewis was hand selected by Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, to run the Fleet Maritime Operations Center in the Middle East.

Driscoll stressed the importance of the global role the Truman Strike Group will face in the near future and the part both Lewis and Bynum will continue to play in that mission.

"For this strike group, in addition to the mission of countering the ongoing threat posed by Al Qaeda in the Middle East, there is the need to help protect our friends in the region," explained Driscoll. "Both Capt. Lewis and Capt. Bynum have led multiple combat missions during several deployments and they will continue to provide leadership."

Bynum will now oversee CVW-3 in support of the strike group's mission, and Lewis will play an integral role in the wing's operations in the 5th Fleet region.

Lewis stated he had complete confidence that Bynum was up to the task. Bynum, who assumed command of CVW-3 after serving as the deputy commander for more than a year, thanked all the guests and stated his goals for the future of CVW-3.

"We'll continue to put the mission first. Together we have an opportunity as we go forward, and that's to raise the bar of performance. It won't always be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is," said Bynum. "I am exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do, and I hope you all are too."

Bynum is a native of Waco, Texas, and graduated from the University of Oklahoma. He was commissioned in May 1985 and earned his wings in 1986. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense and Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal, the Defense, Navy and Air Force Commendation Medals and various other individual, campaign and unit awards.